The Great Iowa District of Optimist International is well underway into the Second Quarter of this 2017-2018 year. I am pleased to report that with new members being added to the clubs, you are thinking about additional labor needed for your club events and projects, you will utilize the ideas these new members have that your club may utilize in the coming months, and you will encourage these members to invite their friends to become Optimists.

If you attended the Second Quarter Conference on Feb. 10, you participated in a unique experience. Members from three regions of the state were able to save miles and visit Iowa City, Ankeny, or Council Bluffs and learn what all three locations were seeing and hearing. Technology is entering the Iowa District gatherings. An excellent workshop on Committee Organization, a chance to hear Clubs share their long-time projects and some new projects that will be held in the coming months. A speaker who highlighted the volunteer work that you do for your club and your community. Awards were given out and the fellowship of seeing optimist friends.

I invite you to plan to celebrate last year’s achievements by attending the Presidential Visit on Saturday, March 24, 2018. 2016-17 Governor Dennis Phares and OI President Jim Kondrasuk Will share the achievements of your fellow Optimists.

Go to IowaOptimist.org/presidents.visit/ to register and prepay for the $32.50 best rate for dinner and program.

Make a weekend of your stay by reserving your room at $84.15 plus tax for a standard two queen bedroom. Ask for the Iowa Optimist District Block –Iowa Optimist District Block.

The Conference that you do not want to miss is the Third Quarter Conference on April 21, 2018 in Newton, IA. At this conference not only will there be training, but there will be the Finals of the District Oratorical Contest. Each winning young man and young woman will receive a $ 2,500 scholarship for college. One of these students will advance to the regional and maybe the World Optimist Oratorical contest with additional scholarship opportunities. Be in attendance to share in the results.

Mark your calendars to plan to attend the Iowa District Convention at the Riverside Resort and Convention Center in Riverside, Iowa. This will be held on August 3, 4, 5, 2018. The Kalona Optimist Club and other clubs of Zone 12 will host you for these three days. Registration information will be on the Iowa District Website in late March.

You still have time to participate in a new member incentive during February. The top recruiter in EACH ZONE will win a $20 Gift Certificate to Hy-Vee Food Stores. 12 winners across the state, and you still have time to add them by Feb. 28 at midnight.

I want to assist you to become a Distinguished Club with a Distinguished President. This can be achieved in a way for all club members to participate and that is by starting a new Optimist Club in a nearby community. You select the location and I will help or get experienced District Leaders to assist.